Press release

dated 19.08.2025, No. 132

Rangers and nature conservation wardens take stock over the long weekend

Lots going on in the protected areas - numerous administrative offenses documented - positive development in awareness of applicable rules

Over the long weekend from August 15 to 17, 2025, the nature conservation rangers and nature conservation wardens from the district office were on duty in the protected areas around the Isar, Walchensee and Sylvensteinsee. The aim was to monitor compliance with conservation regulations, protect nature from harmful interference and at the same time raise awareness among visitors through education.

From Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17, 2025, a total of 113 administrative offenses were registered in which personal details were recorded. The violations ranged from unauthorized entry, illegal parking, fire and barbecue bans to overnight stays in the protected areas. Specifically, one violation of the boating regulations in the Isar, one drone flight in the nature reserve, three violations of motorized watercraft at Walchensee, eight violations of fire and barbecue bans, twelve overnight stays or violations of the night parking ban with motorhomes and tents and 88 cases of stopping and driving bans in the protected areas were recorded. "Our rangers have documented a large number of violations these days that endanger the sensitive natural environment," explains Franz Steger, Head of the Environment Department. "The high number shows how important our controls are in order to preserve the protected areas in the long term."

In addition to documenting the violations, the rangers also conducted numerous educational talks to make visitors aware of the applicable rules. For example, 26 boaters were made aware of the boating regulations, eight cyclists were approached if they intended to spend the night in the protected areas, around 19 motorhome drivers were informed about the night parking bans and around 22 users of gas stoves were educated. In addition, the fire ban was pointed out to seven people who had not yet used their barbecue and four shisha users. Candles were involved in a wedding proposal at Walchensee, where the fire ban was pointed out. "Many nature lovers want to enjoy the areas, but it is crucial to know and observe the rules. Our rangers do valuable educational work here to avoid conflicts and protect nature," says Franz Steger.

Other educational measures included notices to parking offenders, a speech to 20 dog owners asking them to keep their animals on a lead, as well as advice on the correct behavior when flying drones and on waste disposal. In addition, a severely injured fox was put out of its misery in cooperation with a hunter.

The nature conservation wardens from the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district office were also on duty during the weekend. Over the course of the extended weekend, a total of 51 parking offenses were registered.

The situation in the area was particularly tense on the public holiday on August 15. A lot of garbage was found on August 16, although there were only a few visitors. A newly built barbecue was also discovered with the embers still glowing. Waste and leftover food had presumably been scattered by foxes. "Only together can we preserve our nature. We ask all visitors to respect the rules and show consideration for animals and plants," appeals Franz Steger. "Overall, however, things are moving in the right direction. Even if there are still violations and places in nature that are misused as garbage dumps, for example, it is clear that many recreationists are showing consideration and behaving accordingly." The Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office will continue to monitor the protected areas in the future and raise public awareness of nature conservation.

Marlis Peischer
Press Officer / Head of the Press Office
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office